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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Jeremiah 50:33–46. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have in these verses,
I.Israel's sufferings, and their deliverance out of those sufferings.
God takes notice of the bondage of his people in Babylon, as he did of their bondage in Egypt; he has surely seen it, and has heard their cry. Israel and Judah were oppressed together, Jer 50:33. Those that remained of the captives of the ten tribes, upon the uniting of the kingdoms of Assyria and Chaldea, seem to have come and mingled with t hose of the two tribes, and to have mingled tears with them, so that they were oppressed together. They were humble suppliants for their liberty, and that was all; they could not attempt any thing towards it, for all that took them captives held them fast, and were much too hard for them. But this is their comfort in distress, that, though they are weak, their Redeemer is strong (Jer 50:34), their Avenger (so the word signifies), he that has a right to them, and will claim his right and make good his claim. He is stronger than their enemies that hold them fast; he can overpower all the force that is against them, and put strength into his own people though they are very weak. The Lord of hosts is his name, and he will answer to his name, and make it to appear that he is what his people call him, and will be that to them for which they depend upon him. Note, It is the unspeakable comfort of the people of God that, though they have hosts against them, they have the Lord of hosts for them and he shall thoroughly plead their cause, pleading he shall plead it, plead it with jealousy, plead it effectually, plead it and carry it, that he may give rest to the land, and to his people's land, rest from all their enemies round about. This is applicable to all believers, who complain of the dominion of sin and corruption, and of their own weakness and manifold infirmities. Let them know that their Redeemer is strong; he is able to keep what they commit to him, and he will plead their cause. Sin shall not have dominion over them; he will make them free, and they shall be free indeed; he will give them rest, that rest which remains for the people of God.
II.Babylon's sin, and their punishment for that sin.
1.The sins they are here charged with are idolatry and persecution.
(1.)They oppressed the people of God; they held them fast, and would not let them go. They opened not the house of his prisoners, Isa 14:17. This was God's quarrel with them, as of old with Pharaoh; it cost him dear, and yet they would not take warning. The inhabitants of Babylon must be disquieted (Jer 50:34) because they have disquieted God's people, whose honour and comfort he is jealous for, and therefore will recompense tribulation to those that trouble them, as well as rest to those that are troubled, Th2 1:6, Th2 1:7.
(2.)They wronged God himself, and robbed him, giving that glory to others which is due to him alone; for (Jer 50:38) it is the land of graven images. All parts of the country abounded with idols, and they were mad upon them, were in love with them and doted on them, cared not what cost and pains they were at in the worship of them, were unwearied in paying their respects to them; and in all this they were wretchedly infatuated and acted like men out of their wits; they were carried on in their idolatry without reason or discretion, like men in a perfect fury. The word here used for idols properly signifies terrors - Enim, the name given to giants that were formidable, because they made the images of their gods to look frightful, to strike a terror upon fools and children. Their idols were scarecrows, yet they doted on them. Babylon was the mother of harlots (Rev 17:5), the source of idolatry. Note, It is the maddest thing in the world to make a god of any creature; and those who are proud against the Lord, the true God, are justly given up to strong delusions, to be mad upon idols that cannot profit. But this madness is wickedness, for which sinners will be certainly and severely reckoned with.
2.The judgments of God upon them for these sins are such as will quite lay them waste and ruin them.
(1.)All that should be their defence and support shall be cut off by the sword. The Chaldeans had long been God's sword, wherewith he had done execution upon the sinful nations round about: but now, they being as bad as any of them, or worse, a sword is brought upon them, even upon the inhabitants of Babylon (Jer 50:35), a sword of war; and, as it is in God's hand, sent and directed by him, it is a sword of justice. It shall be,
[1.]Upon their princes; they shall fall by it, and their dignity, wealth, and power, shall not secure them.
[2.]Upon their wise men, their philosophers, their statesmen, and privy-counsellors; their learning and policy shall neither secure them nor stand the public in any stead.
[3.]Upon their soothsayers and astrologers, here called the liars (Jer 50:36), for they cheated with their prognostications of peace and prosperity; the sword upon them shall make them dote, so that they shall talk like fools, and be as men that have lost all their wits. Note, God has a sword that can reach the soul and affect the mind, and bring men under spiritual plagues.
[4.]Upon their mighty men. A sword shall be upon their spirits; if they are not slain, yet they shall be dismayed, and shall be no longer mighty men; for what stead will their hands stand them in when their hearts fail them?
[5.]Upon their militia (Jer 50:37): The sword shall be upon their horses and chariots; the invaders shall make themselves masters of all their warlike stores, shall seize their horses and chariots for themselves, or destroy them. The troops of other nations that were in their service shall be quite disheartened: The mingled people shall become as weak and timorous as women.
[6.]Upon their exchequer: The sword shall be upon her treasures, which are the sinews of war, and they shall be robbed, and made use of by the enemy against them. See what universal destruction the sword makes when it comes with commission.
(2.)The country shall be made desolate (Jer 50:38): The waters shall be dried up, the water that secures the city. Cyrus drew the river Euphrates into so many channels as made it passable for his army, so that they got with ease to the walls of Babylon, which, if was thought, that river had rendered inaccessible. "The water likewise that made the country fruitful shall be dried up, so that it shall be turned into barrenness, and shall be no more inhabited by the children of men, but by the wild beasts of the desert," Jer 50:39. This was foretold concerning Babylon, Isa 13:19-22. It shall become like Sodom and Gomorrah, Jer 50:40. The same was foretold concerning Edom, Jer 49:18. As the Chaldeans had laid Edom waste, so they shall themselves be laid waste.
(3.)The king and kingdom shall be put into the utmost confusion and consternation by the enemies' invading them, Jer 50:41-43. All the expressions here used to denote the formidable power of the invaders, the terrors wherewith they should array themselves, and the great fright which both court and country should be put into thereby, we met with before (Jer 6:22-24) concerning the Chaldeans' invading the land of Judah. The battle which is there said to be against thee, O daughter of Zion! is here said to be against thee, O daughter of Babylon! to intimate that they should be paid in their own coin. God can find out such as shall be for terror and destruction to those that are for terror and destruction to others; and those who have dealt cruelly, and have shown no mercy, may expect to be cruelly dealt with, and to find no mercy. Only there is one difference between these passages; there it is said, We have heard the fame thereof and our hands wax feeble; here it is said, The king of Babylon has heard the report and his hands waxed feeble, which intimates that that proud and daring prince shall, in the day of his distress, be as weak and dispirited as the meanest Israelites were in the day of their distress.
(4.)That they shall be as much hurt as frightened, for the invader shall come up like a lion to tear and destroy (Jer 50:44) and shall make them and their habitation desolate (Jer 50:45), and the desolation shall be so astonishing that all the nations about shall be terrified by it, Jer 50:46. These three verses we had before (Jer 49:19-21) in the prophecy of the destruction of Edom, which was accomplished by the Chaldeans, and they are here repeated, mutatis mutandis - with a few necessary alterations, in the prophecy of the destruction of Babylon, which was to be accomplished upon the Chaldeans, to show that though the distributions of Providence may appear unequal for a time its retributions will be equal at last; when thou shalt make an end to spoil thou shalt be spoiled, Isa 33:1; Rev 13:10.
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Summary
Jeremiah 50:43 delivers a potent prophetic vision of the king of Babylon's sudden and debilitating terror upon receiving news of an impending invasion. This verse, embedded within a sweeping oracle against Babylon's pride and impending destruction, vividly portrays the monarch's physical and psychological collapse, as his strength drains away and he is seized by an inescapable anguish likened to the excruciating pains of childbirth. It underscores the absolute certainty and divine origin of God's judgment against the once-invincible empire, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly power is utterly helpless before the decree of the Almighty.
Context
Literary Context
Jeremiah 50:43 is a climactic moment within the extensive oracle against Babylon, which spans chapters 50 and 51. This prophecy immediately follows a section detailing the restoration of Israel and Judah, creating a dramatic theological contrast between God's enduring covenant faithfulness to His people and His severe, impending judgment upon their oppressor. The verses preceding 50:43 describe the assembly of nations against Babylon (e.g., Jeremiah 50:9), the sounds of battle and the desolation that will befall the city (e.g., Jeremiah 50:22), and the complete ruin and uninhabited state of Babylon (e.g., Jeremiah 50:39-40). Jeremiah 50:43 specifically zeroes in on the psychological and physical impact of this catastrophic invasion on Babylon's leadership, serving as a powerful culmination to the description of their military and political unraveling, echoing earlier prophetic warnings of divine retribution against the proud.
Historical & Cultural Context
At the time Jeremiah delivered this prophecy, Babylon stood as the undisputed global superpower, having conquered Judah and carried its people into exile. Under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Neo-Babylonian Empire was renowned for its immense military strength, vast wealth, and seemingly impregnable fortifications. The city of Babylon itself was an engineering marvel, boasting massive double walls and the Euphrates River flowing through its heart, fostering a deep-seated sense of invulnerability among its inhabitants. Culturally, Babylonian kings were revered as supreme rulers, often claiming divine favor and absolute authority, embodying the might and glory of their empire. Therefore, the prophetic depiction of the Babylonian king's profound fear and debilitating feebleness in Jeremiah 50:43 would have been an utterly shocking and humiliating image to its original audience, signifying the complete and irreversible reversal of their perceived power, status, and destiny. The prophecy anticipates the historical conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great of Persia in 539 BC, an event vividly recounted in Daniel 5.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. It emphatically highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations, possessing the power to raise up and cast down empires according to His righteous will (compare Daniel 2:21). The vivid imagery of the king's paralyzing fear underscores the theme of Reversal of Fortune, where the proud and arrogant are inevitably brought low, and those who once inflicted terror are themselves consumed by it (compare the fall of the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14:12-15). Furthermore, the graphic description of "pangs as of a woman in travail" reinforces the theme of Inevitable and Sudden Destruction, a recurring prophetic motif signifying an inescapable and agonizing judgment that arrives unexpectedly, much like labor pains (as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:3). The verse also subtly touches upon the theme of Justice for God's People, as Babylon's catastrophic fall ultimately means deliverance and vindication for Judah, fulfilling God's promise to avenge His chosen nation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H4428) denotes a monarch or sovereign ruler. In the context of Babylon, it refers to the supreme authority, embodying the empire's power, pride, and perceived invincibility. The fact that the king is affected emphasizes the complete collapse of the entire system, as its very head is incapacitated.
This word (H3027), while literally referring to the physical hand, is used here figuratively to represent power, strength, capability, and the ability to act or control. When the king's "hands waxed feeble," it signifies a complete loss of his capacity to command, defend, or effectively govern, indicating a total collapse of his authority and military effectiveness. It implies a state of utter helplessness and paralysis.
This verb (H7503) means to slacken, become weak, or lose courage. It paints a picture of a gradual yet complete erosion of strength and resolve. Applied to the king's hands, it emphasizes his inability to grasp, fight, or even lead, illustrating a profound internal and external weakening in the face of the dire report.
This term (H2427), often referring to a throe, specifically the intense pain of childbirth, conveys an excruciating, unavoidable, and overwhelming suffering. It is a pain that is both sudden in its onset and all-consuming in its nature, leaving the sufferer completely incapacitated and focused solely on the agony. The use of this word highlights the inescapable and agonizing nature of the king's terror.
Verse Breakdown
"The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them"
This opening clause immediately establishes the central figure and the catalyst for his reaction. The "king of Babylon," the epitome of earthly power and pride, is the one receiving the devastating intelligence. The "report of them" refers to the approaching enemy forces, likely the Medes and Persians, whose advance is now confirmed and undeniable. This moment of hearing marks the pivotal turning point from perceived security to imminent doom.
"and his hands waxed feeble"
This phrase describes the immediate, debilitating physical and psychological effect of the news. The king's hands, symbolic of his power, control, and ability to act or fight, become weak and useless. This signifies a profound loss of resolve, courage, and effective leadership, rendering him utterly powerless in the face of the overwhelming threat. It's a complete paralysis of his capacity to respond.
"anguish took hold of him"
This clause intensifies the description of the king's internal state. "Anguish" (H6869, tsârâh') denotes deep distress, trouble, and a sense of being tightly constrained. It suggests an overwhelming sense of dread and torment that seizes him completely, leaving no room for rational thought, strategic planning, or decisive action. It's a profound psychological grip that consumes him.
"and pangs as of a woman in travail"
This powerful and graphic simile provides the ultimate expression of the king's suffering. The "pangs" (H2427, chîyl') of a woman in childbirth are universally understood as excruciating, unavoidable, and all-consuming. This imagery conveys the sudden, intense, and inescapable nature of the terror and suffering that grips the king, leaving him utterly incapacitated and helpless, much like a woman in the throes of labor. It underscores the certainty and severity of the judgment.
Literary Devices
Jeremiah 50:43 employs several potent literary devices to convey the king of Babylon's utter terror and the certainty of his empire's catastrophic downfall. The most striking and memorable is the simile "pangs as of a woman in travail." This vivid comparison is a common biblical idiom for sudden, inescapable, and agonizing distress, emphasizing the overwhelming and incapacitating nature of the fear that seizes the king. It highlights the universality of such profound pain and its ability to render even the most powerful person utterly helpless. Additionally, synecdoche is present in "his hands waxed feeble," where "hands" stand for the king's entire capacity for action, power, and leadership. This emphasizes the complete paralysis of his authority and his inability to respond effectively. The verse also utilizes hyperbole to stress the extremity of the king's reaction, portraying a ruler who is not merely afraid but utterly shattered and incapacitated by the news, thereby underscoring the immense magnitude and divine certainty of God's judgment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jeremiah 50:43 serves as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the transient, fragile nature of all earthly power. It vividly illustrates that no human empire, regardless of its military might, vast wealth, or perceived invincibility, can ultimately withstand the righteous judgment of God. The king of Babylon, who once terrorized and enslaved nations, is here reduced to a state of utter helplessness and paralyzing fear, demonstrating unequivocally that God alone holds ultimate authority over the rise and fall of kingdoms. This dramatic reversal of fortune is a recurring and central theme in biblical prophecy, consistently affirming God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to delivering His people from oppression. The anguish and pangs experienced by the king are a direct, inescapable consequence of his nation's immense pride, idolatry, and cruelty, serving as a stark and terrifying reminder that accountability before the Almighty is not only inevitable but also agonizingly certain.
Reflection and Application
Jeremiah 50:43 offers a sobering and timeless reflection on the inherent fragility of human power and the absolute certainty of divine judgment. For us today, it serves as a powerful and necessary reminder not to place our ultimate trust, security, or hope in earthly institutions, political leaders, military might, or even our own perceived strength and abilities. All these, no matter how formidable they appear, are ultimately temporary, fallible, and subject to God's sovereign and immutable will. Instead, our unwavering confidence and steadfast hope should rest solely in the unchanging character and unfailing promises of God, who alone is truly mighty, eternal, and utterly trustworthy. This verse profoundly encourages humility, urging us to acknowledge God's supreme authority and active involvement in all aspects of life, from the global stage to our personal circumstances. It also provides immense comfort and reassurance to those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or overwhelmed by powerful, seemingly invincible forces, reminding them that God sees injustice, hears the cries of His people, and will, in His perfect timing and according to His righteous plan, bring about justice and deliverance. The paralyzing fear that grips the king of Babylon stands in stark contrast to the profound peace and steadfast hope available to those who trust in the Lord, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the king of Babylon's fear described using such vivid imagery, specifically "pangs as of a woman in travail"?
The vivid imagery, particularly the simile "pangs as of a woman in travail," is employed to convey the extreme, inescapable, and utterly incapacitating nature of the king's fear and anguish. This is a common and powerful prophetic metaphor (e.g., Isaiah 13:8) that emphasizes the suddenness, intensity, and all-consuming quality of the distress, leaving absolutely no room for escape, resistance, or rational response. It highlights that the fear is not merely psychological but also physically debilitating, much like the unavoidable pain of childbirth. This potent language underscores the absolute certainty and severity of God's judgment against Babylon, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly ruler is utterly helpless and broken before divine decree. The aim is to shock the audience and powerfully illustrate the dramatic reversal of fortune for the once-mighty and arrogant empire.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Jeremiah 50:43, with its depiction of a mighty king brought low by paralyzing fear and anguish, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark and glorious contrast between the transient nature of earthly rulers and the eternal reign of the true King, Jesus Christ. The king of Babylon's hands wax feeble, and he is seized by anguish at the mere "report" of an earthly army, foreshadowing the ultimate futility and fragility of all human power and pride set against the sovereign will of God. In profound contrast, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, willingly submitted to the ultimate anguish and suffering of the cross, not out of fear of an earthly foe, but out of perfect love and obedience, precisely to conquer sin, death, and the powers of darkness (see Philippians 2:8). While earthly kings tremble before impending judgment, Christ is the righteous Judge before whom every knee will one day bow, whether in willing submission or fearful acknowledgment (as in Romans 14:11). The "report" that terrifies the king of Babylon is but a faint echo of the final trumpet call that will announce Christ's victorious return, when all enemies will be put under His feet and His kingdom will be fully established (see 1 Corinthians 15:25). The fear and pangs experienced by the Babylonian king are a microcosm of the terror that will grip all those who reject God's gracious rule, while those who trust in Christ find not anguish, but perfect peace and eternal security in His unshakable kingdom (as promised in Hebrews 12:28), a peace that transcends all earthly reports of trouble.